MC announces leadership changes at the Clayton Center for the Arts
June 12, 2023
Blake Smith is stepping down as general manager of the Clayton Center for the Arts (CCA) to pursue other opportunities, Maryville College President Bryan F. Coker announced recently. Smith, who has held the position since 2013, will serve until June 30. Christy McDonald Slavick will step away from her responsibilities as executive director for strategic initiatives to become interim general manager of the CCA, starting July 1.
Coker made the announcement June 1 in a memo distributed to the College’s faculty and staff, members of the College’s board of directors and the CCA’s advisory board members. Opened on the MC campus in 2010, the $47.5 million facility was constructed as a cooperative venture with local, state and federal governments. In addition to serving as home to the College’s Fine Arts Division, it was conceived to be a gathering place for the community that celebrates the arts and culture of the region, bolsters economic vitality, strengthens tourism, and expands educational offerings for the area.
In the memo, Coker described Smith’s decade-long term as “remarkable,” noting the operational and programmatic improvements that the general manager has led.
Smith came to the Clayton Center from the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, in 2013. With a career spent in both technical and administrative roles, his knowledge and experience has extended beyond the Clayton Center. From lighting and scoreboard assistance at athletic facilities to advising the planning committee for the College’s annual Commencement weekend, he has served in a number of capacities that elevated the production quality of collegiate events.
At the Clayton Center, Smith has overseen a team that now coordinates nearly 500 events annually, from touring Broadway productions to high school band performances, and has maintained relationships with various important stakeholders.
The Clayton Center notched a record number of sold-out shows for the 2022-2023 season, and season ticket subscriptions increased every year until the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Smith’s stewardship has helped the Clayton Center steadily rebound since performances resumed in 2021.
“In addition to coordinating an annual CCA season of diverse arts programming, Blake and his team have partnered with local media such as East Tennessee PBS and WDVX to bring nationally known artists such as Ken Burns and the Del McCoury Band to the CCA,” Coker wrote. “Sell-out shows have included performances by country music artists, Broadway musicals, and touring dance ensembles.
“We sincerely thank Blake for his strong and dedicated service to MC and wish him the absolute best for the future,” the president added.
McDonald Slavick ‘uniquely positioned’ for new role
In the memo, Coker wrote that Slavick is “uniquely positioned” to serve as interim executive director, given previous arts administration experience with the Shakespeare Theatre Company at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C., and recent work leading the College’s strategic initiatives, as well as those of the Maryville Downtown Association.
“As board chair for the Downtown Maryville Association, Christy has worked extensively with local governments and area developers, many of whom are CCA stakeholders. As MC’s executive director of strategic initiatives, she has established relationships and partnerships with businesses, institutions and organizations throughout our region,” the president explained. “I am asking Christy to focus heavily on strengthening local/community relationships with the CCA, as well as improving the Center’s overall financial position.”
The promotions of two CCA staff members were also announced as part of the leadership transition. Jake Reagan ’07 will become director of event operations, while Allison Parton ’20 will become assistant director of event operations.
“The CCA is a unique venture, as a facility built and owned through a public-private partnership, intended to serve both the College’s academic needs, as well as elevate the arts and culture in our community,” Coker wrote. “As our community grows and evolves, we must continually work to ensure the CCA’s relevance and success in the region.”